USCG announces amendments for merchant mariner credential STCW endorsements

USCG’s Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing announced changes to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) concerning qualification for certain Merchant Mariner Credential Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended endorsements.

According to the new revisions:

NVIC 14-14 (Able Seafarer-Deck)

The changes go as follows:

• The performance conditions for some practical demonstrations of competence are revised to allow the assessments to be performed in locations other than a ship when the use of shipboard equipment is not needed for the assessment, and to add greater flexibility as to how the assessment may be performed;
• The performance standard for task no. 4.9.A is revised to omit tying certain knots and making splices as this demonstration of skill is required by 46 CFR 12.405(c) to qualify for an associated national endorsement as Able Seaman.

Similarly, the USCG recently announced changes on NVICs 04-14, 08-14, and 09-14, providing additional guidance on STCW endorsements for Proficiency in Survival Craft, Proficiency in Survival Craft-Limited, Basic Training, and Advanced Firefighting for mariners serving on vessels in a reduced operating status and on other vessels in operation that do not get underway.